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The Ultimate Guide to Dentists in Puerto Vallarta

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Visitors choosing to spend a dental vacation in the striking resort of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico will find its mix of stunning natural attractions, old-town appeal and modern amenities the ideal combination for a perfect trip. In the 1960s the filming of Night of the Iguana, starring Liz Taylor, Richard Burton and Ava Gardner, brought Puerto Vallarta to international attention attracting holiday-makers, artists and culture-vultures alike. With gorgeous beaches it is more than just a beach destination, truly offering something for everyone.

Puerto Vallarta’s close proximity to the US and Canada fuelled the burgeoning art scene and it now attracts film-makers, musicians and sculptors alike. Along with vacationers seeking sun, sea and sand it is a heady mix of culture, heritage and glorious scenery. Activities all year round and a tropical climate have ensured Puerto Vallarta’s status as an established tourist destination. A safe resort, in common with the rest of Mexico, it is now gaining a reputation for excellence in medical and dental tourism.

Thousands of visitors are discovering the advantages of traveling to Puerto Vallarta for their dental treatment. Beautiful location and hospitality aside, dentists offer the latest techniques in contemporary clinics at a price that makes the most expensive treatments at home so much more affordable here. At Dental Departures, working with the best dentists in Puerto Vallarta, we can guide you and help you find the most suitable dentist for your needs.

Where is Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta is situated in the state of Jalisco, on the edge of the Pacific Ocean in the Bahia de Banderas (Bay of Flags).

Flight durations from the US to Puerto Vallarta’s international airport can be done in as little as a couple of hours. It is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico for US and Canadian travelers, and is particularly convenient for those seeking dental treatment to reach.

Why visit a dentist in Puerto Vallarta?

With a 40 kilometer coastline of mountains, rivers and beaches Puerto Vallarta is enviably picturesque. The town itself, retaining its traditional character, nestles charmingly in natural surroundings while catering expertly for the needs of modern travelers. Dental patients will find likewise, along with highly equipped clinics and knowledgeable dentists.

The dental clinics we work with here have been subjected to our stringent background checks where we verify international accreditation, sterilization techniques, dentists’ qualifications, training and governing bodies. This offers our patients a greater peace of mind on the quality and outcome of their treatments that would be hard to get when researching the information for themselves.

The convenience factor of traveling from North America or Canada for dental treatment cannot be overlooked. With relatively short and inexpensive flights, multiple trips can be made and still cost considerably less than one treatment in North America.

For many patients, affordability is the key aspect for pursuing dentistry abroad, but not to the detriment of their overall health and well-being. Dental patients visiting Puerto Vallarta will find a sophisticated resort delivering cost-effective dental care without any compromise on quality. The substantial savings to be made are illustrated below:

Average cost of a zirconia dental crown in the US $1,600; At a dentist in Puerto Vallarta $547

Average cost of root canal, post and crown in the US $2,200; At a dentist in Puerto Vallarta $400

Average cost of dental implant and crown in the US $3,900; At a dentist in Puerto Vallarta $1,100

Is it safe?

The US travel advisory has given no warnings forPuerto Vallarta in its recent update. It is one of the most visited places in Mexico by North Americans, and there is an interest in keeping its residents and visitors safe and secure.

Puerto Vallarta has a justifiably deserved reputation for safety, and as well as the blue uniformed federal or state police (Policia Municipal) and the traffic police (Transito) you will also find the white-uniformed tourist police (Policia Turistica). The tourist police are here to help you, even if just for directions.

The residents ofPuerto Vallarta are friendly and helpful too, and you will find it quite safe to stroll around the town at any time during the day or night.

Is the quality of care the same as back home?

The quality of care you receive in Puerto Vallarta will be every bit as good as the care you receive at home, if you choose a good dentist. Our commitment to ensuring our patients receive good quality starts with detailed background checks. We verify dentist’s qualifications and experience, and personally visit clinics to see for ourselves the techniques and standards they employ. Only if we are satisfied they will provide treatment of the same quality as at home will we include them on our website.

Dental Departures has assisted many patients in finding the best dental treatment in Puerto Vallarta at the most affordable prices available. We have hundreds of reviews online for you to check out from our many happy patients, and we guarantee our prices to be the lowest you will find anywhere.

What happens if something goes wrong? Does my dental care have guarantees or warranties?

Competition for overseas patients is strong in Mexico, so you can expect the treatment you receive to be of high quality. Occasionally though, things do sometimes go wrong, and we will do our utmost to make sure that we get it put right. While no-one can guarantee dental work 100%, we can guarantee our patients are seen by a quality-checked dentist. Furthermore, all the lab works and procedures are covered under warranty.

Out of the thousands of patients who have booked through us, less than 0.1% experienced minor problems with their dental treatment. We strive to ensure all our patients are completely happy with their treatment, and should a problem arise we aim to get it resolved as quickly as possible.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

No. As a popular tourist destination Puerto Vallarta has been receiving English-speaking visitors for many years. Of course Spanish is the main language, but you will find that English is spoken pretty much everywhere in hotels, shops, restaurants and our dental clinics.

What payment methods are accepted by most dental offices?

Most dental clinics prefer US cash as payment. However, some accept traveler’s checks, personal checks and debit/credit cards, although credit card payments may be subject to a small (typically 3-4%) processing fee. Check with each individual dental office as to what their preferred payment method is.

Is my US or Canadian Dental Insurance accepted?

It is unlikely the dental clinics will be able to bill your insurance company directly, but you may be eligible for reimbursement upon your return home. While your insurance company will probably not provide for travel expenses such as flights or accommodation, your money will certainly stretch much further than it would at home, enabling you to have better quality materials, for example. It is best to speak with your insurance provider before you book an appointment to see if they will reimburse you for out-of-network care, and if they do to find out what forms or documents you will need to bring with you for your dentist to complete.

When is the best time to visit one of our dentists?

Puerto Vallarta is a year-round destination with events happening throughout every month. The peak season is during winter – December through to March, when the temperatures are not too hot, although it is much busier then, and you may have to book your dental appointment well in advance. However, April/May and October/November are good times to visit as the weather is still good, but it is a lot quieter than winter. The low season is during the rainy season from June-September. It can be hot and humid during this time, and although there are downpours there are still plenty of sunny days too. You may find some great discounts in hotels, restaurants and other amenities at this time.

Is the city handicapped accessible?

While some of the hotels are wheelchair-friendly, and some shopping areas manageable, downtown Puerto Vallarta is not very handicapped accessible. The streets are cobblestone, and the sidewalks steep and lacking wheelchair-accessible curbs. The local buses are not wheelchair-friendly either, so the only way of getting around is by taxi.

Some of our dental clinics provide shuttle services from your hotel to your appointment, and we are happy to find one offering this service for you. Please contact us if you would like us to arrange this.

What is the downside? What should I know about visiting?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination providing all the amenities you would expect from an established resort. There are no known downsides to be aware of which are specific to Puerto Vallarta. The grumbles people may have are the same they might encounter in another tourist resort anywhere else in the world. For example, some people may find the beach vendors irritating, although others are happy to engage with them.

For dental patients we advise you take the time to research dentists and clinics thoroughly. While dentists in Mexico all undergo general training, it is wise to make sure you find an appropriate specialist – preferably from an established clinic – especially if your treatment is complex. With our pre-screening and background checks we can help you narrow the search down considerably – and find you the right dentist at the right price.

Sedation, which is offered as standard in the US and Canada(even for something as simple as fillings), is not widely available inMexico. The administration of gas (nitrous oxide) requires a licensed anesthesiologist and is a specialist service provided by some clinics. Local anesthetic is available, and for patients who suffer with anxiety, medication such as Valium can be requested prior to your visit. For patients who require full sedation, please contact us for information on clinics that provide this service. The cost is around $400-$600.

What else is there in town?

Even if you are visiting specifically for dental treatment, Puerto Vallarta has much to offer in the way of day-to-day amenities as well as its tourist facilities.

The vibrant cultural and art scene is reflected in the varied festivals held here throughout the year. From the Marlin Festival (deep sea fishing) to the Festival Gourmet (international food) to jazz, writers, film, photography and wine festivals, to name but a few, there is sure to be something here of interest. Art galleries, movie theatres and the recently opened Teatro Vallarta, playing host to both local and international theatre productions, all contribute to Puerto Vallarta’s rich cultural heritage.

For night owls there’s late-night restaurants, bars, clubs and music venues and shoppers will find a diverse selection of malls, department stores and boutiques.

Puerto Vallarta’s natural attractions – its many beautiful beaches sloping gently into the Pacific Ocean – offer a variety of activities including scuba-diving, parasailing and water-skiing, and the backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains provides walks and stunning views.

Driving Directions

Most people prefer to fly to Puerto Vallarta for their dental treatment. However, the US travel advisory has issued cautions on driving inMexico, with certain areas it recommends defer non-essential travel to. If you are considering driving, it recommends the border crossing at Nogales and taking the Highway 15 toll road to Hermosillo. The advice is generally to stick to the toll roads rather than the secondary roads, and to travel in daylight hours.

Mexican car insurance?

A recent law requires ALL drivers to have at least third party insurance, but you will have to arrange this cover separately from your US car insurance. It can be bought online for around $10 a day).

Flying in?

The nearest airport is Puerto Vallarta (PVR).

Distance to tow from airports and metropolitan areas

Approximate distances and driving times are as follows:

Puerto Vallarta International Airport: 8 miles, 19 minutes

Cancun: 1525 miles, 26 hours

Tucson: 1069 miles, 19 hours

Mexico City: 524 miles, 9 hours

Nogales: 992 miles, 18 hours

Border crossing document requirements and hours of operation

If you are driving do remember to check the hours of operation of the border crossing you choose, as not all are open 24 hours a day. No documents are required for entry into Mexico, but for re-entry in the US a valid passport or passport card is required.

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This article is meant for information purposes only and is not intended to be dental advice or instructions for dental diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your dentist or a qualified dental professional before starting or changing dental treatment.